Arai Retains U70kg Title For Japan

Chizuru Arai surpassed expectations and her opponents on the path to retaining her title at the world championships in Baku.

Arai would have her path to another world championship blocked by French judoka Marie-Eve Gahie, who was on an impressive run through the tournament and looking for the upset.

Gahie would have the early advantage, but Arai would find the momentum and set up an oseikomi off an uchimata, finishing the French athlete in 90 seconds.

Another Japanese Judoka, Yoko Ono (not the musician/visual artist), would earn a medal in Baku, as Ono would earn a bronze against Maria Perez, as Ono would force Perez into three penalties and earning a victory.